Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  I LOVE my Honda Pilot!!! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By country gal 66 - April 9 - 8:00 am

  I test drove a Honda Pilot, then a couple other SUVs, my 7 yr. old son got out of the Nissan that I drove and said "Gee Mom, that was not as comfortable as the Honda", he was right! They really put some thought into designing it. I have owned my Pilot for 6 months now, and I really enjoy it!

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  Realistic Review of the 2010 Accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Big Hank - April 9 - 3:23 am

  Lets be honest, an Accord is not a BMW or luxury SUV. I had a 2005 Pilot before this and the Pilot was more functional and comfortable, but the 2010 Accord is very nice vehicle with a lot of space. Steering and cornering are tight, the V- 6 model accelerates fairly well, but nothing to be excited about. Not much road noise to speak of. You do feel bumps. For the first time in years the Accord is somewhat of a looker; In black, it looks similar to many luxury sedans (Mercedes, Infiniti, Lexus). Seats are comfortable for a normal commute, but forward tilted head rests are a bit of a mystery. The passenger could get annoyed on a long trip. Overall, very happy with this practical purchase

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  2006 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Yodathejedimacster - April 9 - 1:53 am

  The Ridgeline doesnt ride like my old Toyota truck, its very smooth. The road noise is almost nonexistent. Its easy to step up into the bed w/ the tailgate that swings to the side. The hidden trunk in the bed is great for storing tools & even a cooler. It has plenty of glass all around you for good visability.The cab has all kinds of room, both front & back.

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  Honda Again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By bob - April 8 - 5:23 pm

  Handling is excellent. Fuel economy is about what I had with my previous V-6. I hoped for a little better. The performance of the engine is very smooth.

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  My favorite car ever, and heres why - 2005 Honda Element
  By Kimberly Stone - April 8 - 2:20 pm

  Ive had many cars, and liked many of them a lot. But I honestly love my Honda Element. Its style, function, performance, reliability and FUN are beyond anything Ive ever driven. I have the AWD EX model with side airbags, so Im getting everywhere safely. I love the ability to fold up the rear seats or remove them altogether if Ive got a haul from the garden center or flea market. The Element is so easy to keep sparkling clean. Its light and airy inside, with tons of head room, shoulder room, and space around you. Also great little nooks and cubbies for storage. Road trips are a must with this car. Love the Aux port for my iPod and the subwoofer. I just LOVE this car! Test drive one!

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  The TEN in Minivans - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Man - April 8 - 2:40 am

  I must first say that prior to purchasing this vehicle, I examined and researched all of the minivans in the market. I have to begin by saying that I rated the Minivans based on our needs as a family and only against other minivans. The Odyssey has met every one of our expectations regarding a minivan and has therefore scored TENS throughout our review. We traded in a Subaru WRX and a Dodge Durango so traction was important. I was able to test drive the Odyssey at the start of a downpour and throughout a very strong rain. It handled as if it were an AWD vehicle even when I allowed for quicker acceleration. The VSA worked flawlessly as did the iV- tec engine. Highly recommend the Honda.

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  Honda engineering - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By steelerfan786 - April 7 - 5:20 pm

  After owning a 2000 Odyssey, definitely wanted to own 2007 model. When it comes to comfort and convenience this is the best van out there. Car and driver rated this van #1 in its category. Smooth and quiet, excellent ride, great handling for a van. To me its like driving a big Accord. Definitely a winner in my book.

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  Pleasant surprise - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Canuck fan - April 6 - 9:53 pm

  Have owned for three months and current mileage is 7000 mi. Have had 4 Accords and one Integra so am familiar with Honda quality/reliability. Recent 5800 mi trip averaged 30 mpg. One 180 mi freeway trip at 70 mph was 34 mpg.Gas mileage better than expected.I think it likes warm weather. Very comfortable & quiet ride.Lots of storage room.I wish the rear seats would fold flat though. Engine could use another 40 hp to provide more oomph above 90 km/hr. V6 option would be nice. This is the first SUV I have owned and am impressed with seating height,handling and ride.At 7000 mi, oil life shows only 50% used.I am used to 4000 mi intervals. Seems like a long way to me.

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  Very Well Made - 2006 Honda Civic
  By HRG - April 6 - 5:23 pm

  The Honda Civic is a fantastic car. The Civic feels very solid with little body roll when conering, which at first made me think it would be a little firm over bumps. I was wrong, it handled dips, and bumps in the road very well. The transmission is fantastic, goes through the gears very smoothly.

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  Love My Honda - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Alysha Turner - April 6 - 5:25 am

  Honda pilot is a great and relaible car but is not good with gas at all. This thing goes through gas like its free. A full tank only last 2 days and thats just pick up and drop off at school. Horrible gas mileage.